An SSL certificate is what turns an ordinary HTTP website into a secure HTTPS site. Getting one is simpler than most site owners expect, especially when your hosting provider or website platform handles the technical steps for you. The process comes down to choosing the right certificate type, verifying domain ownership, installing the certificate on your server, and making sure every page on your site loads over HTTPS.
If you are new to the topic, start with the article on what SSL is and why your website needs it. For the broader security context beyond the certificate itself, see the article on why website security is important.
Choose the right type of SSL certificate
Not every certificate is the same. The level of verification performed before issuance determines both cost and how much identity information is displayed to visitors.
Domain validation
- Confirms only that you control the domain
- Issued quickly, often within minutes
- Sufficient for most business websites, blogs, and online stores
Organization validation
- Verifies the legal existence of your organization in addition to domain control
- Takes longer to issue because manual checks are involved
- Used by businesses that want verified organization details attached to the certificate
How to get an SSL certificate: step by step
Step 1: Decide where to obtain the certificate
Most site owners get SSL through their hosting provider or website platform. Certificates are often included in the hosting package and installed automatically. If you manage your own server, you can request a certificate directly from a certificate authority and install it manually.
Step 2: Verify domain ownership
Before a certificate is issued, the certificate authority confirms you control the domain. Common verification methods include adding a DNS record, uploading a verification file to your server, or responding to an email sent to an address at the domain. Automated systems on managed platforms handle this step without manual intervention.
Step 3: Install the certificate on your server
Once issued, the certificate file must be installed on the web server that hosts your site. On shared hosting and website platforms, this is handled by the provider. On a self-managed server, you upload the certificate and configure the server to use it for HTTPS connections.
Step 4: Force HTTPS across your entire site
Installing a certificate is not enough on its own. Redirect HTTP traffic to HTTPS, update internal links to secure paths, and resolve mixed content warnings before launch.
Step 5: Set up automatic renewal
SSL certificates expire, typically after 90 days or one year depending on the issuer. An expired certificate triggers browser warnings immediately. Configure automatic renewal through your hosting provider or certificate management system so the certificate is replaced before it lapses.
Common SSL setup mistakes to avoid
Leaving HTTP pages accessible
If both HTTP and HTTPS versions of your pages are reachable without a redirect, search engines may index both. That splits ranking signals and confuses visitors. Configure a site-wide redirect from HTTP to HTTPS.
Mixed content warnings
A page served over HTTPS that loads images, stylesheets, or scripts over HTTP still triggers security warnings. Audit your pages after enabling SSL and update any asset URLs that still point to HTTP.
How WEMASY handles SSL setup
SSL certificates are included on every WEMASY plan and activated automatically when you create a site. Renewal is handled at the platform level before certificates expire.
See what is included at the WEMASY website builder, or review plan options on the pricing page.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get an SSL certificate for my website?
The simplest path is through your hosting provider or website platform, where certificates are often included and installed automatically. If you manage your own server, request a certificate from a certificate authority, verify domain ownership, install the file on your server, and configure HTTPS redirects. With WEMASY's website builder, you can set this up directly on your website.
How long does it take to get an SSL certificate?
Domain validation certificates are often issued within minutes once domain ownership is verified. Organization and extended validation certificates take longer because they involve manual identity checks, sometimes several days. On managed platforms where verification is automated, the certificate is typically active shortly after the site is created.
Do I need to pay for an SSL certificate?
Not necessarily. Many hosting providers and website platforms include SSL at no extra cost. Free domain validation certificates offer the same encryption as paid certificates at the same validation level. Paid certificates are mainly relevant when you need organization or extended validation for regulatory or brand trust reasons.
What is mixed content and how do I fix it?
Mixed content occurs when a page loads over HTTPS but references assets such as images, stylesheets, or scripts over HTTP. Browsers may block those assets or show security warnings. Fix it by updating all internal asset URLs to use HTTPS paths. After enabling SSL, run through your key pages and check the browser console for any remaining insecure references.
How often do SSL certificates need to be renewed?
Most certificates expire after 90 days or one year, depending on the issuer and certificate type. Renewal should happen automatically before expiry. An expired certificate causes immediate browser warnings and can affect search visibility. Set up automatic renewal through your hosting provider or certificate management system to avoid manual tracking.
Can I install SSL on an existing website?
Yes. You can add a certificate to a site that has been running on HTTP for years. After installation, configure a redirect so all HTTP traffic goes to HTTPS, update internal links, and resolve any mixed content issues. Search engines will eventually re-index the secure versions of your pages. The sooner you make the switch, the sooner you stop showing browser warnings to visitors.